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CAF issues warning on phishing emails

Internet users warned to beware of fake emails that claim to be from France's family allowance agency

CAISSE d'Allocations Familiales (CAF) has warned anyone who accesses their accounts online to beware of fraudulent “phishing” emails.

CAF said that fake emails and SMS messages have been sent that claim to be from the family allowances fund, directing people to click on a fraudulent link.

The link directs users to a website that looks very similar to the real CAF site - but has been set up for the sole purpose of tricking people into giving up personal banking details.

CAF has issued the following advice:

Do not to click on links contained in emails. Manually enter the CAF’s web address into their browser, instead.
Do not respond to emails, SMS messages or voicemail messages that claim to be from CAF.
Do not fill in any online forms
Do not click on links or buttons and do not open any email attachments
Report suspected emails to the website www.phishing-initiative-com
Contact CAF independently to confirm whether any emails are genuine
Delete any fraudulent emails, SMS or voice messages
Check that security systems and firewalls on computers and smartphones are up to date

If you suspect you have been the victim of a phishing attack and have completed an online form, CAF says you should contact both your bank and CAF immediately.

Image: CAF

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